Xenophobia in SA embarrassing - premier

2011-09-14 07:29

Durban - Africa is about friendship, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize said while addressing communities on tolerance, African solidarity and xenophobia in Durban on Tuesday.

"We live together. We need to make sure that wherever we are, the rule is love and friendship," said Mkhize.

He said everyone living in Africa faced the same problems and that these could be solved by working together.

Mkhize said the most embarrassing thing that happened in South Africa was the xenophobia attacks in 2008.

Embarrassed

"When it happened, it took us by surprise and embarrassed us because a large number of us have lived in other countries in the continent."

In May 2008, 62 people were killed and thousands of foreigners were left homeless as xenophobic attacks swept across the country.

"We have practical challenges. There's a huge contest for resources which means tensions arise because of shortages in services," said Mkhize.

He said this should not be allowed to turn into a fight on the basis of ethnic backgrounds.

"We need to start thinking differently. We need to create a sense of awareness."

While many attacks on foreigners could be criminal, some were linked to competition in communities, he said.

Respect

"We cannot encourage people to find comfort in attacking others because of the features that define them.

"Where you come from depends on the decisions made by your ancestors."

He urged communities to respect each other and encouraged them to be loving and hospitable.

"The children who grow up in South Africa will grow up with the culture that they are seeing, they cannot grow up with a sense of not belonging."

He said the problems of permits, housing backlogs, unemployment and crime needed to be addressed.

- SAPA